Avoid these common pitfalls when designing your dream home!
Building a sustainable home is more than just good intentions—it’s about making smart, informed decisions from the outset. Here are three mistakes to steer clear of:
- Treating Passive House Principles as an Afterthought
Thinking you can simply “bolt on” Passive House principles later? Think again. While it’s possible to adapt designs during planning, the most cost-effective and efficient way is to integrate Passive House principles from day one. Harnessing free solar energy can lower insulation needs—and your overall build costs. Sun energy is free energy. But beware, too much sun can lead to overheating. See point 2…. - Falling in Love with Too Much Glazing
We all love the idea of floor-to-ceiling windows that flood our homes with natural light and offer breathtaking views. But as Passive House architects, too much glazing makes us shudder. Possibly with a heat induced rage. It’s amazing to have views and connections to the outside – which we whole-heartedly agree with – but, too much glass can lead to overheating, defeating the purpose of a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Yes, sun shading can help, but it also adds to your costs. Trust your architect when they say, “less is more.” - Overlooking the Importance of Thermal Bridging
Ok, so most of you, non-architectural people probably don’t know what thermal bridging is. To be fair, it’s not the most riveting of subjects, but it is crucial for keeping your home warm and your energy bills low. The good news? Preventing thermal bridging is more about precise detailing and quality workmanship than expensive solutions. Rely on an experienced, certified, Passive House architect to get it right.
Make sure your energy-efficient home is truly efficient—work with experienced Passive House architects experts who know how to make your vision a reality. Get in touch if you would like to discuss your home.
